THERE WAS A lot of coffee spilt over a lot of keyboards this lunchtime as the sensational news that Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney broke.
According to the BBC, Rooney – whose house was under siege by irate supporters last night – said: “I’ve talked to the manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this is where I belong.”
The Guardian indicate that Rooney has become the best-paid player in the history of the club by agreeing a deal thought to be worth as much as £180,000 a week.
Reports Daniel Taylor:
The news represents a significant setback to Manchester City, with senior officials at Eastlands convinced that Rooney had decided to move across the city, and the player is aware that feelings are running high against him.
Rooney is quoted as saying:
“I’m sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they’ve read and seenb ut my position was from concern over the future. The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it’s up to me through my performances to win them over again.
I’m delighted to sign another deal at United. In the last couple of days, I’ve talked to the manager and the owners and they’ve convinced me this is where I belong. I said on Wednesday the manager’s a genius and it’s his belief and support that have convinced me to stay.
I’m signing a new deal in the absolute belief that the management, coaching staff, board and owners are totally committed to making sure United maintains its proud winning history – which is the reason I joined the club in the first place.”
Manchester United’s statement in full read:
Wayne Rooney has agreed a new five-year contract to stay at Manchester United until at least June 2015.
The agreement follows intensive discussions between the club and the player’s representatives and means that by the end of his contract Wayne will have been a Manchester United player for 11 years.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: “It’s been a difficult week, but the intensity of the coverage is what we expect at Manchester United. I said to the boy that the door is always open and I’m delighted Wayne has agreed to stay.
“Sometimes, when you’re in a club, it can be hard to realise just how big it is and it takes something like the events of the last few days to make you understand. I think Wayne now understands what a great club Manchester United is.
“I’m pleased he has accepted the challenge to guide the younger players and establish himself as one of United’s great players.
The full interview, which MUTV conducted, is now here.
